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How Traffic Tickets Could Suspend Driving Privileges
Traffic tickets can threaten your driving privileges. While Kansas doesn’t use a point system, it does keep track of violations. When a driver accumulates three moving violations within a 12-month period, the Kansas Division of Vehicles will suspend their driver’s license.
The division may also suspend your license for serious violations even if you have no other violations. If your license is suspended or revoked, you’ll have to meet the criteria to have it reinstated. If you are convicted of DUI, or driving under the influence, you may face criminal charges and go to jail, as well as having your license suspended and your vehicle towed.
Moving Violations
The Kansas Legislature defines violations as moving or nonmoving. Generally, moving violations occur when the vehicle is moving. They include speeding, running a stop sign or stop light, following too closely, or passing a school bus. Nonmoving violations typically refer to equipment issues or issues that occur while a car is parked. However, some violations that are classified as “nonmoving” actually occur while the car is moving. Examples are inattentive driving or driving without a seat belt. Only moving violations count toward the three per year limit, although nonmoving violations do have other consequences.
How Long Do Violations Remain on Your Record
Just about every driver winds up committing a moving violation and receiving a traffic ticket at least once over a lifetime of driving and often several times. Humans make mistakes, and drivers are human.
Minor violations, such as speeding, remain on your record in Kansas for three years. Major violations, such as driving while your license is suspended, remain on your record for five years. DUI convictions and diversions remain on your record for your lifetime.
License Suspension and Revocation
If your license is suspended or revoked in Kansas, you contact the Driver Solutions Department to understand what you need to do to get your driving privileges back. If your license was suspended for a DUI, you may be eligible for a modification on your suspension, which would allow you to drive with an ignition interlock device.
Where to Pay Your Traffic Fines
When you are ticketed you have three options. You can pay the fine, you can request a contested hearing, or you can request a mitigation hearing. If you pay the fine, you are pleading guilty to the offense. If you request a mitigation hearing, you also are pleading guilty but are requesting a lower fine, to pay the fine in installments, or to do community service in lieu of paying the fine. In a contested hearing, you plead not guilty and the court determines guilt based on the evidence.You must pay the ticket on time, or you will incur additional penalties. The amount varies by offense and court. To determine the amount that needs to be paid and where to mail payment, consult your traffic ticket.